Interview Ready Ticks and Tricks

We know many of you have consulting interviews coming up, exciting but nerve-wracking! The good news is that with the right prep, you can show up with confidence. To help you stand out, we’ve pulled together some of our best tips from our experience as former interviewers. 

1️. Case Interview Prep

-       Don’t chase the “perfect answer”: Focus on structured problem solving, clear communication, and collaboration. Most of the time, there isn’t a single “right” answer. What matters is how you explain your logic and thought process. Even in the worst case, if you mess up the math question, you can still succeed if you clearly communicate your approach and reasoning.

-       The importance of “so what”: After every piece of evidence or question, narrate your logic with a clear “so what.” Because consulting interviews aren’t just about crunching numbers. They’re about showing you can interpret data, draw insights, and connect it back to the client’s problem.

Example:

o   Evidence: “This chart shows that Option A delivers $15M in savings, while Option B delivers $10M.”

o   So what: “Based on this chart, I’d suggest Option A for our client because it creates the largest impact (about $15M) using existing resources. That means faster implementation and higher ROI.”

-       Over-communicate: Interviewers are not mind readers. Especially in a virtual setting, your notes and scratch work aren’t visible. If you suddenly go silent while writing, interviewers are left guessing what you’re doing. Instead, set clear expectations by saying “I’d like to take a minute to jot down my thoughts.”, and then take your time to structure your notes. Once you are ready, walk the interviewer through your steps out loud—what you wrote, why it matters, and where you’re headed next.

-       Use signposts: Phrases like “I’ll break this into three parts. One is…., two is …. and three is …” artificially create structure and make your answer much easier for the interviewer to follow. If you tend to ramble or over-explain, signposts are your best friend.

-       Check for alignment: After each key step, pause and ask your interviewer: “Does this make sense to you?” Remember, consulting is a team sport, not a solo test.

2️. Behavioral Interview Prep (Often 50% of the Decision!)

Many candidates underestimate behavioral interviews, but they often play just as big a role as the case. Firms want to know not only how you solve problems but also who you are as a teammate and future consultant.

-       Prepare 5–6 STAR stories (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Each story should highlight a clear consulting trait, such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, or problem-solving. (You can often find these traits listed directly on the specific firm’s recruitment or careers page.)

-       Emphasize the “how”: Start with a one-line synthesis of your story, then go deeper:

o   What specific steps did you take? Why?

o   How did others react? What did they say or do?

o   What impact did your actions create?

-       Go beyond outcomes: A great STAR story doesn’t just highlight results. It should show how you think, how you lead, and how you collaborate under pressure. That’s what convinces firms you’ll thrive in client-facing situations.

3️. Virtual Meeting Setup

-       Tech check: Test your Wi-Fi, camera, and audio ahead of time. Always have a backup plan ready to go, like a hotspot, wired headphones, and even the HR contact info. Tech issues happen more often than we’d like, and showing you can adapt quickly demonstrates professionalism under pressure.

-       Lighting & framing: Sit facing natural light and raise your camera so it’s at eye level. Keep your background clean and professional. A plain wall or a simple blurred background works best. Avoid showing an unmade bed, people moving in the background, or overly colorful/novelty virtual backgrounds, which can feel distracting or unprofessional.

-       Body language: Sit tall, look directly into the webcam when speaking, and nod to show active listening. Treat the lens as if it were the interviewer’s eyes. (If direct eye contact with the lens feels uncomfortable, focus on the center of your screen near the camera. It will still appear natural to the interviewer.) 

4️. In-Person Game Plan

-       Plan logistics: Know your route and aim to arrive at least 20 minutes early. This gives you time to check-in, calm down, grab some water, and use the restroom before heading in.

-       First impression: Greet with a firm handshake, steady eye contact, and a genuine smile. These small details set the tone right away.

-       Stay organized: Always bring a notebook and pen. You’ll almost certainly need them to jot down key words, numbers, or your thought process during the case. Keep your notes neat and structured. You never know when an interviewer may glance at them, and tidy notes reflect a high-level of clarity.

-       Match energy: A simple way to make someone feel comfortable in a first meeting is to mirror their tone and pace. Stay professional yet approachable, remaining open and friendly. And don’t worry if the interview takes an unexpected turn: being flexible with direct questions or conversational curve balls shows adaptability and signals you’re ready for the realities of client work.

5️. Mindset & Energy

-       Stay calm: Blank out? Say “Let me take a moment to think.” That shows composure, not weakness

-       Be curious: Treat the case like a real client challenge. Show enthusiasm for solving tough problems

-       End strong: Thank them, show genuine excitement, and ask thoughtful questions:

o   “What sets successful new consultants apart here?”

o   “What’s been your favorite project and why?”

o   “What traits are most critical for success in this role?”

o   “What do you like most about working here?”